This easy Christmas cookie decorating recipe is perfect for creating festive treats that are fun to make and delicious to eat. With simple sugar cookies as a base, you can let your creativity shine with various icing and decoration options.
The decorating process is straightforward, making it suitable for all ages. Gather your family and friends for a delightful cookie decorating session that will bring holiday cheer.
Creating Festive Cookies
Transforming simple sugar cookies into festive delights is a joyful experience that brings everyone together. The process begins with a soft and buttery cookie base, perfect for showcasing your decorating skills.
Gather your ingredients, including all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, and sugar, to create a dough that is easy to work with. The addition of vanilla and almond extracts enhances the flavor, making each bite a holiday treat.
Decorating with Royal Icing
Once the cookies have cooled, the real fun begins with royal icing. This versatile icing can be easily colored and piped onto cookies, allowing for intricate designs and patterns.
Use a variety of colors to bring your cookies to life. Whether you opt for classic red and green or a more whimsical palette, the choice is yours. Sprinkles and edible decorations can add an extra layer of festivity.
Shapes and Themes
Choose from a range of festive shapes such as stars, trees, and snowflakes. Each shape offers a unique canvas for your creativity.
Consider creating themed cookies that reflect your holiday spirit. For instance, snowflakes can be adorned with shimmering white icing, while Christmas trees can be decorated with colorful ornaments made from candy.
Setting the Scene
The atmosphere plays a significant role in the cookie decorating experience. Set up a cozy space adorned with twinkling fairy lights and holiday decorations to inspire creativity.
A wooden platter displaying your beautifully decorated cookies adds a rustic charm. This inviting setup encourages family and friends to gather around and share in the festive spirit.
Sharing the Joy
Cookie decorating is not just about the end product; it’s about the memories created along the way. Invite loved ones to join in the fun, making it a delightful holiday tradition.
As you decorate, share stories, laughter, and holiday cheer. The joy of creating together will make these cookies even more special when shared with others.
Storing Your Creations
Once your cookies are beautifully decorated, proper storage is essential to maintain their freshness. Place them in an airtight container to keep them soft and delicious.
Consider gifting some of your creations to friends and family. A beautifully packaged box of cookies makes for a heartfelt holiday gift that spreads joy and sweetness.
Simple and Fun Christmas Cookie Decorating
These sugar cookies are soft and buttery, providing the perfect canvas for your holiday decorations. The recipe takes about 1 hour to prepare and decorate, yielding around 24 cookies, depending on the size.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Royal icing (for decorating)
- Assorted sprinkles and edible decorations
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until fully incorporated.
- Shape Cookies: Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place them onto ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Decorate: Once cookies are cool, use royal icing to decorate them. Add sprinkles and other edible decorations as desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20g